CompactFlash (CF) memory cards are rugged, offer high storage capacities, and can deliver fast data transfers; that’s why HD camcorders from RED® and Canon®, as well as DSLR cameras from Canon and Nikon® use them. Even as the card specs have improved, moving ever-larger files from cards to computer has remained mostly a low speed affair. If you have ever ingested files from CF cards, you know what we mean. Plug in the camera, grab a cup of coffee, and relax while all those gigabytes of data are transferred at around 30 MB/s. But what if you need faster transfers? Or want to ingest files from more than one card at a time? Sonnet’s Qio CF4 is the answer to all of these questions.

This Sonnet pro media reader distills the feature set of the award-winning original Qio media reader, and is designed specifically for use with CF media cards. Providing a cost-effective, high-speed multi-slot alternative to stand-alone card readers for pro videographers and photographers alike, Qio CF4’s four CF slots enable you to ingest files faster and more efficiently, with aggregate ingest speed up to 410 MB/sec.

Key Features

Four Slots—Enable you to ingest files from four cards at the same time

Mac Compatible—Qio CF4 works within your workflow, regardless the system you’ve chosen; simply connect Qio CF4 to the appropriate interface card or adapter and you’re good to go

Built-in SATA Connections—Connect media readers with eSATA interfaces

Small and Rugged—Strong aluminum case measures just 5.9" x 6.2" x 1"

Easy to Secure—Slot for Kensington® and similar security locks to secure the device and deter theft

Choice of Interface

Sonnet’s Qio CF4 is available with your choice of a PCIe 2.0 interface card for Mac Pro towers, an ExpressCard/34 interface adapter for legacy MacBook Pros, or a Thunderbolt interface adapter (with included Thunderbolt cable) for any Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port. With the purchase of an additional Qio PCIe adapter card, ExpressCard/34 card, or Qio Thunderbolt Interface Adapter Kit, you can move your Qio CF4 from suite to suite, and then to location and back again without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re using an legacy Mac Pro or MacBook Pro®, or any recent Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port, Qio CF4 fits seamlessly into your demanding production workflows.

FireWire® Bus Power
Alternatively, you can power the Qio CF4 by connecting it to a computer with a FireWire port with Sonnet’s optional FireWire 400-to-3.5mm power cable

Travel and Desktop Companion

Qio CF4 pro media reader is small—about the size of three stacked CD cases—and takes up so little space, you can use it just about anywhere. It’s rugged, too—the robust aluminum case easily withstands heavy use. This pro media reader even incorporates a slot for Kensington® and similar security locks to secure the device and deter theft.

Built for the Pro. Whether shooting on location with your notebook or editing footage or photos in the studio on your iMac®, Mac mini, or Mac Pro, Qio CF4 conveniently connects to your system via an ExpressCard/34 or PCIe 2.0 interface card, or Thunderbolt interface, so your projects are always at hand.

6Gb/s SATA PCIe 2.0 Host Controller Inside

Qio CF4 includes two 6Gb/s eSATA ports, perfect for connecting media readers with an eSATA interface, such as the RED STATION REDMAG 1.8" and 2.5".

Sonnet Qio Review. Very, Very, Fast Offloads.
"I had heard about the QIO some time ago, so I approached Sonnet to see if I could borrow a unit to review. I was given the loan of a Sonnet QIO at NAB. I have been playing with it since then and you know what, it’s a great device. So what exactly is it? Well it is an extension box that allows you to connect a range of peripherals and flash memory cards to your computer via the PCI bus. The reason I wanted to borrow one was because the QIO is one of the few devices (the only device?) that allows you to connect SxS, Compact Flash and P2 cards to a computer using the high speed PCI bus with hot-swappable functionality…

This is one fast device. If you have lots of media to off-load and backup it’s going to save you a lot of time. If you are a production company that works with large volumes of solid state media it will pay for itself very quickly in saved man-hours. If your working in the field with a MacBook Pro the ability to connect both the media and eSATA devices at the same time makes the QIO a very interesting proposition. It is well constructed, simple to install and use, what more could you ask for."

In Review: Sonnet Technologies Qio
"The Sonnet Technologies Qio answers one of the most significant questions posed by editors dealing with solid-state media: how do I copy the contents of the cards to my computer? And the Qio answers the question without any uncertainty…

Who needs the Qio? Any editor who deals with a variety of solid-state media. Nothing is worse than having a client drop off a P2 card and you have no way to read it. “Er, can I plug your camera into my computer so I can copy the contents of the card?” Or, “I know I have that little USB CF card reader somewhere around here…” And it’s not just for editors needing multiple formats. A solid piece of equipment to me is far preferable to an inexpensive card reader which might be slow and much more subject to failure when you need it most. The Qio is most useful to anyone who needs to extend the bus capability of their computer to additional storage and other compatible card-based devices.

The Qio represents the only product of its kind on the market and I am pleased to recommend it with great enthusiasm."

Fast Enough? Data-Driven Broadcast Infrastructure
"…The single most impressive ingest product that I saw was the Sonnet Technologies Qio, pronounced Cue-Eye-Oh. Using a single PCIe slot, it gives you two P2 readers, two Sony SxS readers, and two CF Card readers.

My first reaction was, "It takes up another card slot?!? What if you need a slot for a SATA card?" The Sonnet Qio also incorporates the well known E4P eSATA card - built right into the Qio! So in addition to everything else, you get four eSATA ports, all of which support port multiplication for your eSATA drives. Amazing!"

Review: Sonnet Qio
"As a solid-state card reader, the Qio accepts every kind of card your cameraman may hand you: P2 cards from Panasonic cameras, CompactFlash cards from digital SLRs or Red cameras, SxS cards from Sony, JVC cameras, and SDHC cards (via an adapter) from everything else. This versatility is a big deal. As many folks move from tape to solid-state, they can buy one convenient reader that handles it all.

Not only does the Qio work with all of these card formats, but it accepts two of each card at a time — two P2 cards, two SxS cards, and so on. It’s like the Noah’s Arc of card readers, and that’s helpful if you’re shooting a lot of cards during the day, and want to copy two at a time. With two cards mounted, you don’t have to hover around your computer as it copies, waiting to slip in the next card. It’s a nice convenience, and no other card reader gives you dual-slotted options for so many media formats.

…[its] a great option for production houses, editors and DITs who have to make their way in this world of endless media formats."

See what reviewers and customers have to say about other Sonnet products in our News section under Product Reviews and Case Studies.

Bandwagon Media Inc.
Case Study
Making at premiere splash at the 2010 Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF), Sonnet's Qio™ took front and center stage as it provided high-speed transfers and flawless performance for the Ingest of festival footage from seven HD cameras…